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This article was medically reviewed by Justin Houman, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Justin Houman, MD, FACS, is a board-certified urologist, fellowship-trained Men's Health Specialist, and Assistant Professor of Urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he practices at Tower Urology. He also serves as Chief Clinical Officer at Bastion Health. Dr. Houman's expertise spans erectile dysfunction, male fertility, testosterone optimization, Peyronie's disease, chronic pelvic and testicular pain, and microsurgical urology, including varicocelectomy, vasectomy reversal, and spermatic cord procedures. A recognized leader in andrology and sexual medicine, he lectures nationally, contributes to peer-reviewed publications, and is a media contributor and educator championing proactive men's healthcare. He completed his residency at Cedars-Sinai before pursuing an advanced fellowship in Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery at UCLA, where he mastered minimally invasive and microsurgical techniques for male infertility, hormone management, and complex urologic conditions.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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The drug Cialis can be used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) or an enlarged prostate. To purchase this drug, you'll need a prescription from your doctor. Make sure you take the correct dosage so it works when you need it. Stay safe on Cialis by avoiding substances that could interact negatively with this drug, like certain medications or street drugs containing nitrates.[1] If you experience any negative side effects or the drug is not working for you, see your doctor for guidance.
Steps
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Get a prescription for Cialis Daily for regular use. You can use Cialis on a daily basis at a lower dosage. Cialis Daily helps to prevent erectile dysfunction 24 hours a day. This may be a good option if you plan to have sex at least 2-3 times a week.[2]- Cialis Daily will come in doses of 2.5 to 5 mg.
- Urologist Justin Houman, MD notes that many men, from those who are young to men who are 70 years old, take Cialis daily. He says these smaller doses (2.5 to 5 mg) can be helpful in preventing the onset of erectile dysfunction.[3]
- Dr. Houman notes that Cialis is biochemically well-tolerated, especially in low doses. This means that you’re unlikely to develop a tolerance: if you take it regularly, 10 years from now, it will most likely have the same effect.[4]
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Obtain a prescription for Cialis As Needed for occasional use. This type is best if you do not plan to have sex regularly, but want to have the medication on hand. Cialis Regular will have a higher dosage and is not designed for daily or regular use.[5]- Cialis As Needed will be prescribed in doses of 5 to 20 mg.
- Dr. Houman explains that Cialis triggers the nitric oxide pathway, which helps blood vessels dilate in all parts of the body, but specifically the penis. So, taking Cialis triggers the dilatation of the blood vessels of the penis, which helps blood come in and produce a strong, long-lasting erection.[6]
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Take no more than 1 dose of Cialis a day. Consume Cialis orally with water. Swallow the pill whole. Do not chew on it or break it apart.[7]- If you are using Cialis Daily, you will need to take 1 dose at the same time every day.
- Taking more than 1 dose every 24 hours can cause heart issues and other problems.[8]
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Use sexual stimulation to help the medication kick in. Taking Cialis does not mean you are guaranteed to get an erection. You will still need to be sexually stimulated to be able to get an erection and maintain it.[10] Communicate with your partner and interact with them after you take Cialis to help the medication work.- Try being romantic in bed and being intimate with your partner to help the medication kick in.
wikiHow Quiz: Do I Have Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction?
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Avoid taking Cialis if you are on heart medication. Nitrate medications used to treat chest pain or heart problems can interact negatively with Cialis. Do not take Cialis if you are taking medication for hypertension (high blood pressure).[11]- You should also avoid taking Cialis if you are taking medication for liver or kidney issues.
- Your doctor should discuss the medications you are taking and confirm that Cialis is safe for you before prescribing it to you.
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Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol. Having a lot of alcohol while on Cialis can cause side effects and affect the potency of the drug. Limit yourself to less than 5 standard-sized alcoholic drinks when you take Cialis.[12] -
Avoid having grapefruit while on this medication. Grapefruit juice and products containing grapefruit can interact negatively with Cialis, causing side effects.[13] -
Watch for the side effects of Cialis. You may experience headaches, nausea, upset stomach, heartburn, or become flushed when you take Cialis. You may also develop muscle pain, especially in your back, arms, or legs. These side effects should fade away as your body gets used to the medication.[14]- Dr. Houman agrees that common side effects include heartburn and lower back pain. In rare cases, patients can develop vision changes or tinnitus (ear ringing). Dr. Houman notes that a small subset of patients can’t tolerate Cialis due to sinus issues.[15]
- Dr. Houman adds that the more you take Cialis, the more the body gets used to it, which helps the side effects become less severe.[16]
- If your side effects do not go away or they become worse, stop taking Cialis and see your doctor right away.
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Speak to your doctor if you feel light-headed or have chest pain during sex. You should also see your doctor if you feel nauseous, dizzy, or like you are going to pass out. These are all possible symptoms of a heart problem caused by Cialis.[17]- You may also experience ringing in your ears, temporary hearing loss, and vision issues.
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See your doctor if your erection lasts longer than 4 hours. An erection that lasts longer than 4 hours can cause damage to your penis. Head to your doctor’s office or the nearest medical center right away so the issue can be addressed.[18] -
Discuss lowering your dosage with your doctor. Your doctor may suggest you try taking less Cialis on a regular basis or spreading out your dosage so you only take it occasionally.[19]- They may also ask you about how you are taking Cialis to ensure you are using it correctly so you are not at risk of any issues.
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Switch to another medication if you are at risk of heart issues. If Cialis is putting you at risk of developing heart problems or a heart attack, your doctor may suggest that you try another medication. They may recommend another erectile dysfunction medication you can try to address this issue.[20]
Expert Q&A
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Tips
References
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604008.html
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/should-you-take-a-daily-erectile-dysfunction-pill
- ↑ Justin Houman, MD. Urologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ Justin Houman, MD. Urologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604008.html
- ↑ Justin Houman, MD. Urologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604008.html
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tadalafil-oral-route/description/drg-20067204
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tadalafil-oral-route/description/drg-20067204
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604008.html
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-cialis-tadalafil
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tadalafil-oral-route/description/drg-20067204
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604008.html
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/should-you-take-a-daily-erectile-dysfunction-pill
- ↑ Justin Houman, MD. Urologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ Justin Houman, MD. Urologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604008.html
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604008.html
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604008.html
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604008.html
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Before you can use Cialis, you'll need to visit your doctor for a prescription, as well as instructions on how to use it. In most cases, you'll be advised to take one entire pill with water, before or after food. If you’re taking Cialis daily, try to take it at the same time every day. While you’re on Cialis, avoid drinking more than 1-2 alcoholic drinks, which can cause side effects and affect the potency of the drug. If you feel light-headed, nauseous, have chest pain during sex, ringing ears, or an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, speak to your doctor so they can help you adjust your dosage. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to minimize side effects while using Cialis, read on!
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